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Organic weed management workshop July 1

It's that time of year for organic farmers to consider weed management options as they plant their organic row crops. Iowa State University Extension Sustainable Agriculture Program and the Organic Program will cosponsor an Integrated Weed Management Workshop to discuss these options on Monday, July 1, at the Northeast Research Farm in Nashua. The workshop will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. The charge is $15.00 and includes a lunch and handouts.

Highlights of the workshop will include discussions on crop rotation, cultivation techniques, propane flame burners, and a new vinegar-based herbicide that may be used in organic production. USDA-Agricultural Research Service scientists in Beltsville, Maryland, demonstrated effective control of common lambsquarters, giant foxtail, velvetleaf, smooth pigweed, and Canada thistle by spraying vinegar on plants. Five and 10 percent vinegar concentrations killed the weeds during their first 2 weeks after emergence and, at the higher concentrations, vinegar had an 85 to 100 percent kill rate at all growth stages. The vinegar used was made from fruits or grains, to conform to organic farming standards.

In addition to integrated weed management techniques and demonstrations, weed identification and life cycles will be highlighted at this workshop. Please register by e-mailing me at kdelate@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-7069 if you have questions about this workshop. Information about this workshop and other organic projects also is available.

This article originally appeared on page 91 of the IC-488(11) -- June 3, 2002 issue.